Student Records

Children must report to school between 8:50 – 9:05 a.m.  Children who are tardy to school cannot be admitted to class unless they have a pass from the nurse.  If your child is late for school, bring your child directly to the nurse’s office.  As classroom instruction begins promptly at 9:05, it is important for your child’s success that he/she is here on time and ready to learn each day. 

Student Attendance

Regular student attendance in school is essential to the educational process.  Responsibility for assuring that students attend school rests by statute with the parent or other person having control of the child.  Parents or other persons having control of school-age children enrolled in Region #10 schools in grades K-12 (under the age of 16) are obligated to assure that such children attend school or show that they are elsewhere receiving equivalent instruction. If a student has been absent for 12 days, parents will be notified in writing that attendance may become a serious academic problem.  If a student is absent for 24 days, it is possible that he or she will be retained.  Appeals must be made in writing to the principal.  (Regional #10 Board Policy) We request parents’ cooperation in planning vacations and appointments for the times when school is not in session.

Lost and Found

Your child’s belongings should be marked with his or her name so he or she will not lose them.  Any item that is found is placed in our lost and found box located in the pick-up station.

Pupil Absences

If your child is absent from school due to illness or for any other reason, the child must bring a written note to school on the day he or she returns.  Parents may be requested to present a doctor’s letter in cases of prolonged or persistent absence.

Report of Absence

 School Nurse – 673-2511 (press #1)

e-mail:  Lgnurse@region10ct.org

9:05 - 9:45 a.m.

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Kindergarten

 Telephone

The office telephone is for school business.  Children should come to school prepared for the activities of the day.  Parents can help their children by establishing regular morning routines that allow ample time to prepare and get ready for the day.  However, in an emergency situation, the principal will grant permission as needed.

Visitors

Parents who wish to visit their child’s classroom are encouraged to do so and should contact the building principal to arrange for a time for the visitation.  Parents must also be in touch with the classroom teacher prior to the visit.  All visitors must stop at the office as soon as they enter the building to sign in and pick up a visitor pass.  After visiting their child’s classroom, a parent must meet with the teacher and/or administrator to discuss relevant issues.  Visitations may not interfere with instruction or violate the privacy of any student.                                                         

School Volunteers

Volunteers provide valuable resources to the school by assisting in classrooms, the media center and with clerical tasks.  Through our enrichment program, adults also share expertise and talents with students.  Volunteers contribute to improved instruction, enriched curriculum and positive school/community relations.  Please call Mr. Garry (673-2511) for information about how you can become more involved in our learning community.  We look forward to having you join our team!

Fun Club

The Fun Club at Lake Garda School is a local day care facility which is a satellite program of the Bristol Boys’ and Girls’ Club.  The Fun Club operates in the Lake Garda School cafeteria from 7:00-8:50 a.m. and from 3:35-6:00 p.m. on school days. A varied recreational program is provided.  An application form may be picked up at the school office.  You may call 675-7830 for information about the program during their hours of operation.

Field Trips

Field trips are regarded as a valuable extension to classroom learning and parents will be notified in advance of field trips.  Written parental permission must be granted before a student is allowed on a field trip.  The Board of Education has set aside some funds to pay the partial or complete cost of one field trip per grade. In some cases, parents will be asked to contribute to the cost of the trip.  We will make every effort not to exclude a child because of the cost to a family.

Videotaping

Large school ceremonies and activities (concerts, plays, athletic contests, etc.) may be videotaped for good will and general public viewing.  During the course of the year, teachers may be videotaping and photographing classroom lessons for the purpose of teacher training, action research and student recognition.  The reasons include district and school classroom projects such as student teaching, teacher participation in state certification program, teacher (peer) observations and coaching using cameras or video cameras for professional development discussions.  The focus and purpose for some of these photos and videotapes are for teacher training.  At other times during the year, student pictures may be taken by newspapers, television stations or posted on our website.  The purpose of these photographs and/or video would be to publicize and to recognize student achievement and work.  The student’s name, school attended and participation in officially recognized school activities, sports, degrees, awards, and depictions of student work would be publicized.  Other student data will not be included. 

*If you are uncomfortable with your child being photographed or videotaped, please contact the principal. 

Lake Garda Student Dress

Dress guidelines are based on the premise that a student’s attire should be appropriate for the school.  Dress styles that are considered distracting or disruptive to the classroom learning environment, pose a health or safety threat, or damage school property should not be worn.  Articles of clothing and accessories displaying obscenities or profanity and clothing showing a bare midriff may not be worn to school.  Appropriate dress, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times.  Hats, such as baseball caps, must be removed before entering the building. Please remember that shoes should be sturdy and suitable for all school activities.  Flip flops are not allowed.  During the winter months, children need to wear jackets and coats so they are prepared to go out for recess.

*Parents may be called and students sent home when their dress is not appropriate.  In addition, disciplinary action may be taken.  Cooperation of the students and their families is essential. 

 Personal Items

Homework Policy

In order to provide continuity and growth as a student moves through the school system, the following time ranges should be regarded as general guidelines for the assignment of homework.” (Regional #10 Board Policy)

Grade                            Average Time Spent on Assignment

K                                   15 minutes - once or twice a week

1                                   15-20 minutes - three times a week

2                                   20 minutes - three or four times a week

3                                   30 minutes - three or four times a week

4                                   30 minutes daily

5                                   45 minutes daily

Homework assignments are given to reinforce and augment the lessons taught in class and provide exercises in the development of responsibility and of good work and study habits.  These assignments allow for research, individual projects and strengthening of essential skills.  They are intended to enhance the student’s knowledge in various subject areas.  Teachers may assign missing work as homework in addition to planned assignments.  If you are looking for a constructive use of time at home as a supplement to homework, we urge you to encourage pleasure reading.  A sustained period of reading from 10-45 minutes daily, depending on age and readiness, would be beneficial to every child.  Parents do their part to improve homework when they:

1.      Cooperate with the school in making homework effective

2.      Provide their children with suitable study conditions (desk, light, books, supplies), reserve time for homework,

silence the telephone, turn off the television and turn away the visitors

3.      Encourage their children but avoid undue pressure

4.      Are interested in what their children are doing but do not do their work for them

5.      Understand the school expectations regarding homework

Standardized Testing Program

Regular assessment of student progress is a necessary and important element in monitoring academic progress.  Formal and informal assessments also present teachers with valuable information when designing and modifying instruction to best suit individual needs.  The test, Degrees of Reading Power, is administered to students in grades 3, 4 and 5 in September.  In March, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take the Connecticut Mastery Test.  Grade 3 will also take the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test.  Students in grade 2 will take their first group standardized test, the Degrees of Reading Power, in March which allows them to become familiar with this kind of test for future years.

Student attendance during testing periods is very important in maintaining consistent testing conditions.  It is also very important that students be well rested and at their best during testing periods so we can accurately assess their progress and better meet their learning needs.  The school, parents, and students need to work together to insure that these assessments are beneficial in identifying students’ strengths and areas for further growth.  Our starting date for the Connecticut Mastery Tests in grades 3, 4, and 5 is Monday, March 5.  We estimate that our testing window will run approximately three weeks to accommodate scheduled test days, make-up tests, and supplemental tests assigned to specific grade levels.  Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation during our assessment period.  Detailed information regarding testing will be sent home in February.                                                

Lunch Program

Each day a hot lunch including milk is offered.  The menu is planned to meet state requirements for nutritious, palatable and inexpensive meals.  The cost of a school lunch is $2.00.  Students may also purchase a container of milk for $0.50.  A menu is sent home at the beginning of each month.  For those families experiencing financial difficulty, a reduced or free lunch program is available.  Please contact the school office for applications.

School Lunch Schedule             Recess Schedule          Cafeteria Staff

Grade 1            11:47 - 12:12                              Grade 1         2:00 -  2:20                 Mrs. Dolores Allocca, Lunch Program Director

Grade 2            12:16 - 12:41                              Grade 2       12:47 -  1:07                 Mrs. Veronica Hollis, Director, Lake Garda Cafeteria

Grade 3            11:20 - 11:45                              Grade 3       11:45 -12:05                 Mrs. Dolores Gosselin                                       

Grade 4            12:43 -   1:08                              Grade 4         1:08 -  1:28                 Mrs. Tammy Janick              

Grade 5              1:12 -   1:37                              Grade 5         1:37 -  1:57                 Mrs. Lani Tibbetts                    

                                                                                                                                     Mrs. Judith Young

Lunch Loan Policy

In the event that a student forgets his/her lunch money, they may borrow funds from the café to cover the cost of lunch for the day.  All lunch loans should be repaid promptly.  In cases where students borrow money frequently, contact will be made with the student’s parents in order to arrange more convenient prepayment options.  Parents may prepay for lunches by sending in lunch money in an envelope with the student’s name and grade on it. 

Cafeteria Rules

*All lights on:  regular voices (12” voices)

*Parents and lunch guests joining their children are invited to sit at reserve tables together.                                

*Half lights off:  whisper voices (6” voices)

*All lights off:  quiet time

Behavior Guidelines

Mission Statement: Lake Garda students will be self confident, knowledgeable individuals who strive to work well with others and be the best they can be.

·         be considerate and respectful of fellow students and adults.                                    

·         respect school property inside and outside.

·         move about the building in a quiet, orderly manner.

·         leave dangerous and/or valuable objects at home (this includes all portable handheld electronic devices).

·         follow bus and safety rules.

Discipline Procedures

Discipline problems are normally dealt with at the level at which they occur (i.e., classroom, cafeteria, bus, etc.).  In cases that warrant office intervention, a referral system is used.  Our referral system is designed as an opportunity for the child to discuss the incident as well as to provide us with documentation.  Referral forms are maintained during the school year as an informal record and are not part of the child’s official school file.

Consequences for Misbehavior

Consequences for misbehavior depend upon the severity as well as the frequency of the infraction.  The consequences are indicated on the referral form which is sent home to the parents via the child. While a consequence is the result of negative behaviors, our focus is on helping Lake Garda students recognize that positive choices have positive outcomes.  We have the same high expectations for your children that you do, and we will work cooperatively with our students and their families to increase positive behaviors. Parents are expected to sign the referral form and it must be returned to the office the next day.  Parents who have questions or concerns are encouraged to call the office.

*A significant change in school discipline policies is now in effect in public schools across the United States.  Schools are now required by federal and state law to expel students who bring guns to school for a period of one year. 

*Region #10 has acknowledged this requirement and has expanded it to include other dangerous weapons, including knives of any kind.  At the elementary level, we are especially concerned that students do not bring any pen knives, Boy Scout knives, or any other item which could endanger themselves or other students.  We appreciate your help in explaining this policy to your child and urge parents to discuss the seriousness of the school policy with their children at home.  School safety will continue to be a priority of Region #10.

Policy on Bullying

To comply with the law passed by the Connecticut Legislature July 1, 2002, the Region #10 Board of Education established a policy (5152) in February 2003 that all schools in our district will follow.  As stated in the administrative guidelines,

Bullying is defined as any overt act, by a student or a group of students, directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity which acts are repeated against the same student over time.

Board policy (5152), regarding bullying on school property or at school-sponsored activities, provides that a student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying may report the matter, orally, or in writing, to any teacher or member of the school administration.  The policy also provides that students may anonymously report acts of bullying to teachers and administrators and that parents or guardians may file written reports of suspected bullying. 

Students found to have engaged in bullying as defined in the Board policy will be subject to disciplinary action.  Any parent who wishes to see the entire Board of Education policy may call the school office.

At Lake Garda, we take any act of bullying seriously, and the faculty emphasizes the importance of treating fellow students with kindness and respect.  During each school year, grades K-2 teachers instruct students in Second Step, a program designed to help students learn to solve problems, empathize with others, and find appropriate ways to handle anger.  To further educate our students about the dangers of intimidating, ridiculing, and humiliating others, teachers in grades 3-5 use the Steps to Respect curriculum.  As a school, we will continue to offer programs and assemblies that reinforce kindness and consideration to one another.

Bus Policies

Bus service to Lake Garda School is provided under contract.  Children are assigned to a bus at the beginning of each year and they are expected to ride that bus to and from their regular stops.  A new section of our transportation policy which was adopted by the Board of Education in June 2001 states:

Designated Bus routes and Stops:

Bus routes and stops are developed taking into consideration safety and efficiency.  To this end, the Board of Education may accommodate one permanent Monday through Friday pick-up and drop-off schedule for each child per school year provided it is along established bus routes.  In the event a permanent change to a pick-up and drop-off schedule is needed during a school year, a written request must be submitted to the school principal at least three weeks in advance of such change.

Due to the safety concerns presented by traffic on Monce Road and surrounding streets, we strongly discourage parents from allowing their children to walk or ride bikes to and/or from school.  If students wish to walk or ride a bicycle to or from school, a parent’s note from home is required.

Bus Safety Rules

Students are expected to obey the following rules:

•      face forward and remain seated
•     talk quietly - no shouting
•     keep the center aisle clear
•    be polite and respectful to the driver
•     refrain from pushing, shoving and hitting
•     keep hands inside the bus and do not throw things out the windows
•     get on and off at the assigned stop
•     do not transport animals or bulky projects to school on the bus
•     keep food in lunch boxes or backpacks
•     in the interest of safety, backpacks on wheels should be carried – not rolled- when boarding and leaving the bus

Partners in Literacy

Partners in Literacy is a program focused on increasing early literacy skills.  We bring families together to learn about and  discuss strategies for increasing the cognitive growth of their children before they enter kindergarten.  Our in-house workshops for students and their parents include read alouds, songs and poems, art activities, and even learning centers!  We integrate a wide variety of language arts and math skills into our programs.  Our early intervention specialist also works with many local daycare facilities to model literacy-based activities.  This unique program is offered free to the children of families living in Burlington and Harwinton.

The Partners in Literacy Program meets regularly at Lake Garda Elementary and at Harwinton Consolidated School.

Lake Garda Elementary School:  We meet on the first and third Monday and Thursday of each month (9:30-10:30 A.M.)

Harwinton Consolidate School:  We meet on the first and third Tuesday and Friday of each month (9:30-10:30 A.M.)

We also have evening programs throughout the year at both schools.  For more information, we invite you to check out our web page.  There you will find helpful hints for you and your preschool child, links to learning sites, and a schedule of coming events.  Go to the Lake Garda or Harwinton Consolidated School web sites and look under staff web pages for Partners in Literacy!  www.region10ct.org

Student Council

Lake Garda School has established a Student Council which is a chapter of the American Student Council Association.  Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 are elected representatives.  Objectives of the Student Council are to:

•          develop student leadership skills
•          promote a positive school climate
•          build responsible citizens
•          inspire an enthusiastic school spirit

Band, Jazz Band and Instrumental Lessons

Students in grades 4 and 5 may take instrumental music lessons in school and participate in the grade level bands.  Early in the fourth grade year, instrumental music teachers demonstrate instruments and discuss the program during music classes.  Information on rental instructions and lessons are sent home at this time.  All 4th and 5th grade students are eligible to participate in the band, although membership is contingent upon students adherence to the “Band Membership Standards.”  Fourth and fifth grade students who do not enroll in band may select exploratories such as creative games, chess, printmaking, newspaper or art studio.  These vary each year.

Parent-Teacher Student Association

The PTSA is a voluntary program open to all students.  Student volunteers will help with various PTA functions such as promoting events, making copies, distributing flyers, etc.

TRANSPORTATION

The Regional School District#10 Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide safe, courteous and efficient transportation services for its students.  Designated routes and bus stops for students shall be established by the Board of Education through the Business Manager, with advice of the bus contractors, in accordance with the

following guidelines:

1.     Definitions

a.       “School transportation” means the procedures, program or fully effective and implemented plan by which a pupil is conveyed to and/or from school from his/her residence or the bus top at public expense whether by use of publicly owned equipment or by contract.  Such transportation shall be over public roads approved by the municipality or private roads approved pursuant to C.G.S. Section 10-220c.

b.       “Walking distance” means the linear measure of a prescribed or authorized pedestrian route between the pupil’s residence and his school from a point at the curb or edge of a public or private road nearest the pupil’s residence to a point at the entrance of the school, or a safe entrance to the school grounds located within one hundred feet of the school building entrance or the bus pickup area, or the route from the point on the public thoroughfare nearest the residence to the school bus or vehicle embarkation point established by the Board of Education.

c.       “One mile walking distance” means a reasonable measurement of a route to be traversed extending from the point of measurement at least 5,280 feet, but not more than 5,380 feet.

d.       “Grade K” means kindergarten, or a school program appropriate to a beginning pupil.

e.       “Hazard” means a thing or condition, as prescribed in these guidelines, affecting the safety of pupils walking to and from school or designated point of embarkment (bus stop).

f.        “Pupil” means any individual of school age enrolled in a public or nonprofit private school located within the school district or contiguous school district as the case may be.

2.     Hazardous conditions

a.       The maximum walking distance from home to school or to a prescribed point of embarkation are the following:  (1) pupils below the age of ten, or enrolled in grade K through 3, one mile; (2) pupils aged ten to fourteen, or enrolled in the equivalent of grades 4 through 8, at middle school, one and one-half miles; and (3) pupils aged fourteen and over to enrolled in grades 9 through 19, two miles.  Any walking route to either the bus stop or the school which is in excess of the above distances shall be hazardous.

b.       Any street, road, or highway which has no sidewalk or raised walk areas shall be deemed hazardous if one or more of the following conditions exist:

1.     For pupils under age ten, or enrolled in grades K through 3, any street, road or highway possessing a traffic count of sixty or more vehicles     per hour at the time that pupils are walking to and from school or designated bus stop and where posted speed limits are in excess of 35 miles per hour.